Wrist and elbow stabilizer for sports training

ABSTRACT

A golf training aid is described that stabilizes a wrist and an elbow of a golfer during a golf swing. The golf training aid includes a flexible sleeve and an elongated rigid insert. The flexible sleeve is configured to receive the wrist and the elbow of the golfer. The elongated rigid insert is secured to the flexible sleeve. The flexible sleeve keeps the rigid insert in contact with the wrist and the elbow of the golfer so as to prevent pivoting of the wrist and pivoting of the elbow.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This non-provisional patent application claims priority benefit, withregard to all common subject matter, of commonly assigned U.S.provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/935,800, filed Nov. 15, 2019,and entitled “WRIST AND ELBOW STABILIZER FOR SPORTS TRAINING.” Thisprovisional patent application is hereby incorporated by reference inits entirety into the present application.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

Embodiments of the invention relate broadly to sports trainingequipment. More specifically, embodiments of the invention relate togolf training aids and other swinging sport training aids.

2. Related Art

Golf is a sport which requires consistency in swinging motion for goodresults. A typical golf swing includes movements about many joints ofthe body simultaneously. As an example, these movements can includebending at the knees, twisting at the waist, bending at the waist,twisting at the shoulder, bending and twisting at the head, bending atthe wrist and elbow of the leading arm, and bending at the wrist andelbow of the trailing arm. In order for a golfer to make good shots, thebody motion of the swing must be consistent and properly aligned.Various training devices have been developed which focus on stabilizingone of these movements.

What is lacking in the prior art is a device for teaching a golfer toreduce multiple movements so as to increase the consistency andalignment of a swing. This background discussion is intended to provideinformation related to the present invention which is not necessarilyprior art.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention solve the above-mentioned problems andprovide a distinct advance in the art by providing a golf training aidto prevent movement of the wrist and elbow of the trailing arm duringthe swinging motion. This stabilization increases the consistency andalignment of the swing. The stabilization keeps the club wider andshallower relative to the ball. This results in a reduction of “fat”shots and “thin” shots, discussed below.

A first embodiment of the invention is broadly directed to a golftraining aid configured to stabilize a wrist and an elbow of a golfer orother user. The golf training aid includes a flexible sleeve and anelongated rigid insert. The flexible sleeve is configured to receive thewrist and the elbow of the golfer. The elongated rigid insert is securedto the flexible sleeve. The flexible sleeve keeps the rigid insert incontact with the wrist and the elbow of the golfer so as to preventpivoting of the wrist and pivoting of the elbow.

A second embodiment of the invention is broadly directed to a golftraining aid configured to stabilize a wrist and an elbow of a golfer.The golf training aid includes a flexible sleeve and an elongated rigidinsert. The flexible sleeve is configured to receive the wrist and theelbow of the golfer. The elongated rigid insert is secured to theflexible sleeve. The flexible sleeve keeps the rigid insert proximatewith the wrist and the elbow of the golfer so as to prevent pivoting ofthe wrist and pivoting of the elbow. The flexible sleeve includes asealed insert pocket. The elongated rigid insert is disposed within thesealed insert pocket of the flexible sleeve.

A third embodiment of the invention is broadly directed to a method ofgolf training comprising: acquiring a golf training aid including aflexible sleeve configured to receive the wrist and the elbow of thegolfer, and an elongated rigid insert secured to the flexible sleeve;donning the golf training aid; grasping a golf club; and swinging thegolf club. The flexible sleeve of the golf training aid keeps the rigidinsert proximate with the wrist and the elbow of the golfer so as toprevent pivoting of the wrist and pivoting of the elbow during theswing.

Other embodiments of the invention may be broadly directed to a methodof manufacturing a golf training aid as described herein. Still otherembodiments of the invention may be directed to a method instructinggolf training utilizing the golf training aid. Yet still otherembodiments may be directed to playing a golf game while wearing thegolf training aid for a first portion of the golf game and playing golfwhile with the golf training aid removed for a second portion of thegolf game.

Advantages of these and other embodiments will become more apparent tothose skilled in the art from the following description of the exemplaryembodiments which have been shown and described by way of the figures.As will be realized, the present embodiments described herein may becapable of other and different embodiments, and their details arecapable of modification in various respects. Accordingly, the drawingsand description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not asrestrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The Figures described below depict various aspects of systems andmethods disclosed therein. It should be understood that each Figuredepicts an embodiment of a particular aspect of the disclosed systemsand methods, and that each of the Figures is intended to accord with apossible embodiment thereof. Further, wherever possible, the followingdescription refers to the reference numerals included in the followingFigures, in which features depicted in multiple Figures are designatedwith consistent reference numerals. The present embodiments are notlimited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in theFigures.

FIG. 1A is a side view showing a golfer utilizing an embodiment of agolf training aid in a starting position;

FIG. 1B is a partial side view showing the golfer of FIG. 1A in abackswing position associated with a golf swing;

FIG. 1C is a partial side view showing the golfer of FIG. 1A in afollow-through position of the golf swing;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing effects of improper swing on ball flight;

FIG. 3A is a top side view of the golf training aid of FIG. 3, showingattached fastening straps and a rigid insert therein;

FIG. 3B is a side view of the golf training aid of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4 is a top side view of the golf training aid, showing extendedfastening straps;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the rigid insert;

FIG. 5B is a top view of the rigid insert of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C is a side view of the rigid insert of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5D is a bottom view of the rigid insert of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5E is a vertical cross-section view of the rigid insert, throughthe 5E-5E line of FIG. 5C;

FIG. 5F is a vertical cross-section view of the rigid insert, throughthe 5F-5F line of FIG. 5C;

FIG. 5G is a vertical cross-section view of the rigid insert, throughthe 5G-5G line of FIG. 5C; and

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing assembly of an insert pocket of the golftraining aid.

The Figures depict exemplary embodiments for purposes of Fig. only. Oneskilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussionthat alternative embodiments of the systems and methods illustratedherein may be employed without departing from the principles of theinvention described herein. While the drawings do not necessarilyprovide exact dimensions or tolerances for the illustrated components orstructures, the drawings, not including any purely schematic drawings,are to scale with respect to the relationships between the components ofthe structures illustrated therein for at least one embodiment of theinvention. Other embodiments may differ in scale and structures from thepresented drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is susceptible of embodiment in many differentforms. While the drawings illustrate, and the specification describes,certain preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understoodthat such disclosure is by way of example only. There is no intent tolimit the principles of the present invention to the particulardisclosed embodiments. For instance, the drawing figures do not limitthe present invention to the specific embodiments disclosed anddescribed herein. Furthermore, directional references (for example, top,bottom, up, and down) are used herein solely for the sake of convenienceand should be understood only in relation to each other. For instance, acomponent might in practice be oriented such that faces referred to as“top” and “bottom” are sideways, angled or inverted relative to thechosen frame of reference.

In this description, references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or“embodiments” mean that the feature or features being referred to areincluded in at least one embodiment of the technology. Separatereferences to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “embodiments” inthis description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and arealso not mutually exclusive unless so stated and/or except as will bereadily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. Forexample, a feature, structure, act, etc. described in one embodiment mayalso be included in other embodiments but is not necessarily included.Thus, the present technology can include a variety of combinationsand/or integrations of the embodiments described herein.

The following description of embodiments of the invention references theaccompanying Illustrations that illustrate specific embodiments in whichthe invention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describeaspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled inthe art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized andchanges can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in alimiting sense.

Exemplary Environment and Usages

Embodiments of the invention may be utilized in any of variousenvironments. An exemplary environment is shown in FIG. 1 and discussedbelow. However, it should be appreciated that this environment is onlyexemplary and that various embodiments of the invention may be utilizedin other environments. The following description references the game ofgolf as a field of use for the invention. This field of use is exemplaryand for ease of understanding of the reader. Other embodiments of theinvention may be utilized for swinging motions in other sports andactivities. For example, other embodiments of the invention may beconfigured for use in baseball, softball, cricket, hockey, tennis, tabletennis, racquet ball, etc.

Embodiments of the invention are configured to be used in the trainingfor and playing of golf. There are three types of swings typicallyutilized in golf. The first type of swing is a full driving swing. Thefull driving swing is typically utilized on the first swing of a roundand is typically performed on a ball that is placed upon a tee. The fulldriving swing is designed to provide maximum speed (and, by extension,distance) off the tee. The second type of swing is a putting swing. Theputting swing is typically utilized on the “green” in relative proximityto the hole. The putting swing is designed to provide maximum accuracy,so as to place the ball directly into the hole.

The third type of swing is a mid-range swing. Mid-range swings aretypically utilized between the driving swing and the putting swing, atlocations between the tee box and the green (such as the fairway, therough, hazards, etc.) The mid-range swing may be a chipping swing or apitching swing. A chipping swing is designed to induce a ball flightthat is more horizontal than vertical. The chip shot stays relativelyclose to the ground and bounces for most of the time following impact. Apitching swing is designed to induce a ball flight that is more verticalthan horizontal. The pitch shot travels high in the air, such as toavoid terrain hazards, and does not travel extensively after a bounce.Typically, the golfer will select whether to pitch or chip based uponany of various factors, such as distance to the hole, the surroundingterrain, nearby hazards, etc.

Embodiments of the invention are configured to be utilized for mid-rangeswings, such as a pitching swing and/or a chipping swing, rather thanfor a full driving swing or a putting swing. FIG. 1 shows utilization ofan embodiment of the invention. A golf training aid 100 100 is worn by agolfer 102 on a trailing arm 104. The trailing arm 104 is disposedrearward during the swing and follows a leading arm 106. The golftraining aid 100 improves the flight path of a golf ball 108 byassisting the golfer in keeping proper alignment of a golf club 110. Thegolf club 110 includes a club head 112 disposed at a distal end of aclub shaft 114. The golf club 110 also include a club grip 116 disposedat a proximal end of the club shaft 114. More specifically, the golfer102 grips the club grip 116 with a thumb 118 (as illustrated in FIG. 1A)and set of four fingers 120 (as illustrated in FIG. 1B). The golfer 102may also wear a golfing glove 122 on the leading arm 106 (as illustratedin FIGS. 1A-B).

In the example FIGS. 1A-C, the golfer 102 is right-handed, and thuswears the golf training aid 100 on a right arm of the golfer 102 (thetrailing arm 104 during the swing). FIGS. 1A-C shows three positions ofthe swing. In FIG. 1A, a start position is shown. In this position, thegolfer 102 rests the club head 112 directly behind the golf ball 108.This is also an impact position where the golfer 102 will strike theball during the swing. Thus, the golfer 102 wants to return to thestarting position with a proper velocity and alignment when striking theball. In FIG. 1B, a backswing position is shown. In this position, thegolfer 102 is preparing to begin the forward motion of the swing. Itshould also be noted that this is not a full backswing position (such aswould be used on a driving shot and would require bending of an elbow124 and a wrist 126 of the trailing arm 104). Instead, a backswing of achipping or pitching swing is shown. In FIG. 1C, a follow-throughposition is shown. In this position, the golfer 102 continues theforward swing after contact with the ball. It should also be noted thatthis is not a full follow-through position (such as would be used on adriving shot and would require bending of the elbow 124 of the trailingarm 104).

By assisting the golfer with positioning the elbow 124 and wrist 126during the swing, as discussed below, the golf training aid 100 reducesthe likelihood of an errant swing being imparted on the ball. Turning toFIG. 2, a diagram showing effects of various golf swings on resultantflight characteristics is shown. A straight-line reference 200 is shown.The golf ball 108 should start and remain generally aligned with thestraight-line reference 200 during flight. The club head 112 presents aclub face which directly strikes the golf ball 108 (not shown in FIG.2). The club face strikes the golf ball 108 at a facial direction oftravel 202 and a facial orientation 204 (which may include an aligneddirection and orientation 206). The facial orientation 204 can begenerally straight (as shown in diagrams F, E, and D), push (e.g., tothe right, as shown in diagrams I, H, and G), or pull (e.g., to theleft, as shown in diagrams C, B, and A). The facial direction of travelcan be aligned with the facial orientation 204 (e.g., the aligneddirection and orientation 206, as shown in diagrams E, H, and B),slicing (e.g., angled to the right, as shown in diagrams F, I, and C),or hooking (e.g., angled to the left, as shown in diagrams D, G, and A).A combination of the facial direction of travel 202 and the facialorientation 204 impacts a resultant trajectory 208.

The golf training aid 100 prevents or inhibits pivoting or bending ofthe wrist 126 and the elbow 124. This provides consistency in the swing,by eliminating minor movements during the swing which may result in theball not being correctly struck. This position also keeps the club widerand shallower relative to the ball. This position also helps the golfer102 extend through the follow-through of the swing.

Embodiments of the invention may also reduce “fat” and “thin” shots. A“fat” shot is one in which the club head 112 strikes the ground behindthe ball. A “thin” shot is one in which the club head 112 strikes theball on a bottom portion of the club head 112. By improving theconsistency of the swing, these fat and thin shots may be reduced.

The golfer 102 may wear the golf training aid 100 during practiceswings. The repetitive motion will teach the muscle memory of keepingthe wrist 126 and elbow 124 straight. The golfer 102 may alsoselectively wear the golf training aid 100 during a full game of golf,by wearing the golf training aid 100 only during the chipping andpitching shots of the golf game. Exemplary methods of use of embodimentsof the invention are discussed more below.

Exemplary Golf Training Aid

Turning to FIGS. 3A-5G, an exemplary embodiment of the golf training aid100 is shown. Broadly, the golf training aid 100 comprises a flexiblesleeve 300 and a rigid insert 302. FIGS. 3-4B show the flexible sleeve300 of the golf training aid 100. FIGS. 5A-G show the rigid insert 302individually. Embodiments of the invention are directed to a golftraining aid 100 configured to inhibit bending or pivoting of the wrist126 and elbow 124 during a pitching or chipping swing. The rigid insert302 provides the above discussed benefits of keeping the wrist 126 andelbow 124 stable during the swing. The flexible sleeve 300 is configuredto be worn on the trailing arm 104 of the golfer 102. The flexiblesleeve 300 keeps the rigid insert 302 in place relative to the trailingarm 104 of the golfer 102. The rigid insert 302 is secured to theflexible sleeve 300, as discussed below. The rigid insert 302 is shownin FIG. 3A outlined within the flexible sleeve 300.

A golf training aid 100 of embodiments of the invention is configured tostabilize a wrist 126 and an elbow 124 of a golfer 102. The golftraining aid 100 includes a flexible sleeve 300 and an elongated rigidinsert 302. The flexible sleeve 300 is configured to receive the wrist126 and the elbow 124 of the golfer 102. The elongated rigid insert 302is secured to the flexible sleeve 300. The flexible sleeve 300 keeps therigid insert 302 in contact with the wrist 126 and the elbow 124 of thegolfer 102 so as to prevent pivoting of the wrist 126 and pivoting ofthe elbow 124.

FIGS. 3A-B shows an embodiment of the golf training aid 100. Theflexible sleeve 300 includes a thumb opening 304 (on the bottom left ofFIG. 3A), a hand opening 306 (on the left of FIGS. 3A-B), and an armopening 308 (on the right of FIG. 3A-B). In applying the golf trainingaid 100, the golfer 102 places their hand into the arm opening 308 andslides the flexible sleeve 300 over their trailing arm 104. The golfer102 then places four fingers 120 out the hand opening 306 and a thumb118 out the thumb opening 304. The golfer 102 will then apply one ormore fastening straps 310 (such as a hook-and-loop connector, commonlyreferred to as VELCRO straps) to secure the flexible sleeve 300 inplace.

In embodiments of the invention, the golf training includes a flexiblesleeve 300. The flexible sleeve 300 is flexible such that it isconfigured to receive the wrist 126 and the elbow 124 of the golfer 102therein. The flexible sleeve 300 is, in a default position, smaller involume than a volume of a typical forearm of the golfer 102. Theflexible sleeve 300 thus elastically expands over the forearm of thegolfer 102 so as to remain tightly in contact with the forearm. Theflexible sleeve 300 may also include fastening straps 310 to increasehow tightly the flexible sleeve 300 remains in contact with the forearm.

The flexible sleeve 300 includes a flexible sheet 312 that is disposedin a generally open-ended cylinder shape. The flexible sleeve 300includes an arm end 314 (configured to be proximate to the elbow 124 ofthe golfer 102 when worn) and an hand end 316 (configured to beproximate to the wrist 126 of the golfer 102 when worn). The flexiblesheet 312 is disposed between in the open-ended cylinder shape betweenthe arm end 314 and the hand end 316. The flexible sheet 312 may be sewnor otherwise secured in the open-ended cylinder shape from a singlesheet of fabric or other material. The flexible sheet 312 may includeone or more hems 318 along an edge. The hems 318 provide protection toan edge of the flexible sheet 312 and provide increased comfort for thegolfer 102. Seems 320 may be disposed between adjacent segments of theflexible sheet 312 (as shown in FIG. 3A).

The flexible sleeve 300 keeps the rigid insert 302 in contact with thewrist 126 and the elbow 124 of the golfer 102 so as to prevent pivotingof the wrist 126 and pivoting of the elbow 124. The rigid insert 302 maybe in contact with the forearm directly or indirectly, depending onvarious embodiments. The rigid insert 302 may be in contact with thewrist 126 through one or more layers of the flexible sheet 312 so longas the rigidity of the rigid insert 302 affects the pivoting of therespective joints. One or more layers of the flexible sheet 312 mayprovide comfort to the golfer 102 while retaining the benefits of directcontact.

By holding tightly to the forearm of the golfer 102, the flexible sleeve300 correspondingly holds the rigid insert 302 tightly to the forearm.This is because the flexible sleeve 300 is secured to the rigid insert302 through various structures in various embodiments of the invention.In some embodiments, the flexible sleeve 300 includes an insert pocket322. The elongated rigid insert 302 is disposed at least partiallywithin the insert pocket 322 of the flexible sleeve 300. The insertpocket 322 includes an outer sheet and an inner sheet (as shown anddescribed in FIG. 6 below). The inner sheet is directly in contact withthe forearm of the golfer 102 when worn. The outer sheet is away fromthe forearm. In some embodiments, the outer sheet is the flexible sheet312 of the flexible sleeve 300. In other embodiments, the inner sheet isthe flexible sheet 312 of the flexible sleeve 300. The insert pocket 322may be formed of one or more layers of the flexible sheet 312, or ofanother sheet. The insert pocket 322 may be formed separately, with therigid insert 302 sealed therein, and sewn to the flexible sleeve 300.

In some embodiments, the insert pocket 322 is sealed so as topermanently retain the elongated rigid insert 302 therein. The insertpocket 322 is sealed via sewing or other attaching method. In someembodiments, the insert pocket 322 is selectively sealed, such that therigid insert 302 may be removed. The rigid insert 302 may be removed forcleaning, or to replace the rigid insert 302 with another insert havinga different size and/or shape.

FIG. 4 shows another view of the embodiment of the golf training aid 100from FIG. 3B. While FIG. 3B shows the fastening straps 310 secured tothe flexible sheet 312 of the flexible sleeve 300, FIG. 4 shows theflexible sleeve 300 with the fastening straps 310 extended. Thefastening straps 310 extend laterally relative to the flexible sheet 312of the flexible sleeve 300.

Any of various attachment structure may be utilized by the fasteningstraps 310. In embodiments, the fastening straps 310 are securable at acustomizable length because various golfers will have trailing arms 104of different sizes. In some embodiments, the fastening straps 310include a hook-and-loop style fastener (commonly referred to as VELCRO).In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, a loop segment 400 is disposedon a distal end 402 and a hook segment 404 is disposed on a proximal end406 (for example, on the flexible sleeve 300 itself). In otherembodiments, the hook segment 404 is disposed on the distal end 402 andthe loop segment 400 is disposed on the proximal end 406. The fasteningstraps 310 each include the proximal end 406 (proximate to the flexiblesheet 312) and the distal end 402 (extended away from the flexible sheet312). The proximal end 406 may at least partially surround the flexiblesheet 312, as shown in FIG. 4B. The fastening straps 310 are secured byrotating the distal end 402 around the flexible sheet 312 (having theforearm of the golfer 102 therein) and securing the distal end 402 tothe proximal end 406 or some other structure.

The golfer 102 will loop the fastening straps 310 around their arm andsecure them. The hook-and-loop straps keep the rigid insert 302(discussed more below) firmly in contact (directly or indirectly) withthe trailing arm 104 of the golfer 102. It should also be appreciatedthat other structures may be utilized for securing the flexible sleeve300 to the trailing arm 104 of the golfer 102. For example, thefastening straps 310 may include any combination of cups, ties, hooks,buttons, zippers, and other mechanical fasteners.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, there are two fastening straps310. The two fastening straps 310 include an elbow fastening strap 408disposed proximate to the elbow 124 and a wrist fastening strap 410disposed proximate to the wrist 126. The fastening straps 310 in thisorientation provide an inward force to hold the rigid insert 302 againstthe respective joints to assist in keeping the respective joints frompivoting.

The rigid insert 302 of embodiments of the invention will now bediscussed in more detail. FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of anembodiment of the rigid insert 302. FIGS. 5B-D show alternative views ofthe rigid insert 302 of FIG. 5A. Specifically, FIG. 5B is a top view ofthe rigid insert 302, FIG. 5C is a side view of the rigid insert 302,and FIG. 5D is a bottom view of the rigid insert 302. It should beappreciated that the rigid insert 302 of embodiments of the inventionmay come in other forms, and that the embodiment shown in the figures isonly exemplary. For example, the rigid insert 302 shown in the figuresis configured to accommodate a left-handed golfer. Other embodiments maybe configured for a right-handed golfer or may be ambidextrous.

The rigid insert 302 is generally elongated along a first axis (aleft-right axis in FIG. 5B) and generally arcuate along a second axis(an up-down axis in FIG. 5B) perpendicular to the first axis. Inembodiments, the rigid insert 302 comprises an elongated arcuate wall500 and a pair of opposing alignment walls 502 (as best shown in FIGS.5B and 5G. The arcuate wall 500 extends from a hand end 504 to an elbowend 506, corresponding with respective positions on the trailing arm 104when worn. The arcuate wall 500 presents a palm segment 508 configuredto be disposed on a palm of the golfer 102. A recess 510 allows for thethumb 118 to wrap around the palm segment 508 and grasp the club grip116. The recess 510 defines an indented side 512 of the rigid insert 302(as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5D). The indented side 512 is opposite astraight side 514. Both the indented side 512 and the straight side 514extend between the elbow end 506 and the hand end 504. The palm segment508 is opposite an arm segment 516 of the arcuate wall 500, with anintermediary segment 518 disposed between the arm segment 516 and thepalm segment 508.

FIGS. 5E-G show additional views of the rigid insert 302 from FIG. 5A ata vertical cross-section. As can be seen, the rigid insert 302 isgenerally arcuate about the cross-sections. FIGS. 5E-F show an arcuateshape of the arcuate wall 500 of the rigid insert 302. FIG. 5E shows thecross-section through the palm segment 508 (the 5E-5E line of FIG. 5C).FIG. 5F shows the cross-section through the intermediary segment 518(the 5F-5F line of FIG. 5C). The arcuate wall 500 also presents athickness configured to resist bending (in combination with the arcuateshape) so as to prevent the pivoting of the wrist 126 and elbow 124 asdiscussed above. FIG. 5G shows the cross-section through the arm segment516 (the 5G-5G line of FIG. 5C). FIG. 5G shows how the arcuate wall 500of some embodiments is an arc segment (of the reference circle shown)and that the alignment walls 502 deviate from the arc segment inwardtoward the forearm of the golfer 102. As can be seen, the arcuate wall500 may be continuous or monolithic with alignment walls 502.

The arcuate wall 500 that is generally complementary to the forearm ofthe golfer 102. The arcuate wall 500, as discussed above, is arcuateabout a second axis that is perpendicular to a first axis (parallel tothe forearm of the golfer 102 while in use). The arcuate wall 500contours so as to conform with a standard-sized forearm. The rigidinsert 302 may, in embodiments, be available in any of numerous sizes(such as adult, child, extra-large, women, men, etc.). The entire golftraining aid 100 may also be available in such sizes, or the individualrigid insert 302 s may be sized.

The arcuate wall 500 of embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 5E-G, may atleast partially be an arc segment of an imaginary circle 520 (or morespecifically, an imaginary cylinder). The arc segment shape providessmooth contact with the forearm of the golfer 102. In other embodiments,the arcuate wall 500 is an arc segment of an imaginary cone shape, suchthat a radial distance to the imaginary center is shorter at the handend 504 than at the arm end 506 (to more accurately approximate theshape of a human forearm).

In embodiments of the invention, the alignment walls 502 are configuredto keep the arcuate wall 500 aligned with the trailing arm 104 of thegolfer 102. The alignment walls 502 protrude from the arm segment 516 ofthe rigid insert 302. As best shown in FIG. 5G, the alignment walls 502deflect the arcuate wall 500 inward toward the forearm of the golfer102. The alignment walls 502 prevent lateral displacement of the rigidinsert 302, perpendicular to the above-discussed first axis. Thealignment walls 502 keep the rigid insert 302 from becoming displacedrelative to the elbow 124 of the golfer 102.

The recess 510 is configured to receive a thumb 118 of the golfer 102therein. The recess 510, which may alternatively be described as achannel, is disposed into the arcuate wall 500, as best shown in FIGS.5A-D. The recess 510 may be on a single side, the indented side 512 asshown in the figures, or may be disposed on both sides. When on bothsides, the rigid insert 302 is ambidextrous and there is no straightside 514. When on a single side, the rigid insert 302 may be left-handed(as shown) or right-handed (if opposing the side shown).

The recess 510 of the rigid insert 302 and the thumb opening 304 of theflexible sleeve 300 (shown in FIGS. 3A and 4) are configured to allowthe golfer 102 to grip a golf club 110 while the wrist 126 is stabilized(as shown in FIGS. 1A-C). As shown in FIG. 3A, the recess 510 isdisposed adjacent to the thumb opening 304, so that the thumb 118 maypass the recess 510 and out of the thumb opening 304.

The palm segment 508 is presented on the arcuate wall 500 between therecess 510 and the hand end 504. The palm segment 508 is configured tokeep the wrist 126 straight, as discussed above. The alignment walls 502keep the rigid insert 302 aligned with the forearm of the golfer 102.The arcuate wall 500 towards the elbow end 506 is configured to keep theelbow 124 straight, as discussed above. The recess 510 defines a palmsegment 508 and the intermediary segment 518 and is configured tostabilize the palm of the golfer 102 while the golfer 102 grips the clubgrip 116 of the golf club 110.

Exemplary Methods and Materials

While various methods of using the embodiments of the invention havebeen discussed throughout, a method of golf training utilizing the golftraining aid 100 will now be discussed. In some embodiments, the methodmay be performed by a golf instructor. In other embodiments, the methodmay be performed by a golf player (e.g., the above-discussed golfer 102of the golf training aid 100).

A method of golf training broadly includes acquiring the golf trainingaid 100, donning the golf training aid 100, grasping the golf club 110,and swinging the golf club 110. By doing so, the golfer 102 will havethe wrist 126 and elbow 124 of the trailing arm 104 restrained frompivoting during the pitching and/or chipping shot, as described above.Upon repeated use of the golf training aid 100 will, the golfer 102 willbecome accustom to not pivoting or bending the wrist 126 and elbow 124(which is an otherwise natural motion during a golf swing). Followingthe repeated use, the golfer 102 may remove the golf training aid 100and attempt to keep the wrist 126 and elbow 124 aligned as though thegolf training aid 100 were secured to the forearm.

Acquiring a golf training aid 100 may include retrieving, grasping, orotherwise holding the golf training aid 100. The golf training aid 100may be acquired through a golfing lesson or for individual, independentusage. For example, a golf trainer may provide the golf training aid 100to a student golfer during a training session, such that the studentgolfer may practice chipping and pitching swings with the golf trainingaid 100. Then, subsequent to the lesion, the student golfer will takechipping and pitching swings without the golf training aid 100 butattempting to recreate the motion. As discussed above, the golf trainingaid 100 includes a flexible sleeve 300 configured to receive the wrist126 and the elbow 124 of the golfer 102 and an elongated rigid insert302 secured to the flexible sleeve 300. The flexible sleeve 300 of thegolf training aid 100 keeps the rigid insert 302 proximate with thewrist 126 and the elbow 124 of the golfer 102 so as to prevent pivotingof the wrist 126 and pivoting of the elbow 124 during the swing.

Donning the golf training aid 100 includes placing the golf training aid100 over the trailing arm 104. As discussed above, the trailing arm 104(as shown in FIGS. 1A-C) is disposed toward the rear during the swingingmotion. Donning may include inserting a hand of the trailing arm 104 ofthe golfer 102 into an elbow end of the flexible sleeve 300. The golfer102 then extends at least a portion of the hand out of a wrist end ofthe flexible sleeve 300 such that the rigid insert 302 is aligned with aforearm of the golfer 102. The flexible sheet 312 stretches to allow theforearm to remain tightly against the rigid insert 302.

The step of donning the golf training aid 100 may include a step ofsecuring the golf training aid 100 to a forearm of the golfer 102 byapplying an elbow fastening strap and a wrist fastening strap. Thefastening straps 310 may be secured via a hook-and-loop fastener, asdescribed above, or other fastening structure. The fastening straps 310retain the golf training aid 100 relative to the forearm of the golfer102. More specifically, the elbow fastening strap is disposed at theelbow 124 of the golfer 102 to keep the elbow 124 firmly pressed againstthe rigid insert 302, and the wrist fastening strap is disposed at thewrist 126 to keep the wrist 126 firmly pressed against the rigid insert302.

Grasping the golf club 110, as best shown in FIG. 1A, includes grippingthe club grip 116 of the golf club 110. Between the palm of the golfer102 and the club grip 116 is the inner sheet of the insert pocket 322,the rigid insert 302, and the outer sheet of the insert pocket 322. Insome embodiments, the inner sheet and the outer sheet of the insertpocket 322 may be distinct from the flexible sheet 312. In theseembodiments, the flexible sheet 312 will also be disposed between thepalm and the club grip 116.

Swinging the golf club 110 includes the starting position (shown in FIG.1A), the back stroke (shown in FIG. 1B), striking the ball (shownessentially in FIG. 1A), and the follow-through (shown in FIG. 1C). Ascan be seen in FIGS. 1A-C, the trailing arm 104 wearing the golftraining aid 100 remains substantially straight throughout the swing.

In some embodiments, the method includes removing the flexible sleeve300 from the wrist 126 and elbow 124 of the golfer 102 following one ormore swings while wearing the golf training aid 100. Methods of theseembodiments further include swinging the golf club 110 with the golftraining aid 100 removed while preventing the pivoting of the wrist 126and the pivoting of the elbow 124 as when the golf training aid 100 wasworn. In this way, the golfer 102 can acquire the skills taught by thegolf training aid 100 without having to wear the golf training aid 100during every swing. This is advantageous because, as discussed above,the golf training aid 100 of embodiments is intended for use only duringpitching and chipping shots. Thus, in a standard game, the golfer 102would need to remove the golf training aid 100 during driving andputting shots. If the golfer 102 can, through practice, acquire theskills to keep the wrist 126 and elbow 124 straight during the pitchingand chipping shots, the golfer 102 need not wear the golf training aid100 during play of the golf game.

Other embodiments of the invention may be directed to a method ofmanufacturing the golf training aid 100. FIG. 6 shows how the rigidinsert 302 is secured to the flexible sleeve 300 in some embodiments ofthe invention. As shown, the rigid insert 302 may be sewn between afabric top 600 and a fabric bottom 602. The fabric top 600 and thefabric bottom 602 are components of the rigid sleeve. In one embodiment,the fabric top 600 is a portion of the flexible sheet 312 of theflexible sleeve 300. In a second embodiment, the fabric bottom 602 is aportion of the flexible sheet 312 of the flexible sleeve 300. In a thirdembodiment, the fabric bottom 602 and the fabric top 600 are bothdistinct from the flexible sheet 312 of the fabric sleeve.

In some embodiments of the invention, the rigid insert 302 is formed ofa polymer. For example, the rigid insert 302 may be formed of a3D-printed SLA plastic. As another example, the rigid insert 302 may becast or extruded. The flexible sleeve 300 may be formed of one or moretypes of fabric. For example, the central segment may be formed of ablend of 92% polyester and 8% spandex. The insert pocket 322, whichcontains the rigid insert 302, may be formed of spandex. Trim around thethumb opening 304, the arm opening 308, and the hand opening 306 may bespandex. The straps for securing the golf training aid 100 may be formedof a nylon heavy polypro webbing with VELCRO or other hook-and-loopfastener thereon. These materials are only exemplary. Other embodimentsmay be formed of other materials.

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

In this description, references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or“embodiments” mean that the feature or features being referred to areincluded in at least one embodiment of the technology. Separatereferences to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “embodiments” inthis description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and arealso not mutually exclusive unless so stated and/or except as will bereadily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. Forexample, a feature, structure, act, etc. described in one embodiment mayalso be included in other embodiments, but is not necessarily included.Thus, the current technology can include a variety of combinationsand/or integrations of the embodiments described herein.

Although the present application sets forth a detailed description ofnumerous different embodiments, it should be understood that the legalscope of the description is defined by the words of the claim(s) setforth at the end of this patent and equivalents. The detaileddescription is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describeevery possible embodiment since describing every possible embodimentwould be impractical. Numerous alternative embodiments may beimplemented, using either current technology or technology developedafter the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within thescope of the claims.

Throughout this specification, plural instances may implementcomponents, operations, or structures described as a single instance.Although individual operations of one or more methods are illustratedand described as separate operations, one or more of the individualoperations may be performed concurrently, and nothing requires that theoperations be performed in the order illustrated. Structures andfunctionality presented as separate components in example configurationsmay be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly,structures and functionality presented as a single component may beimplemented as separate components. These and other variations,modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of thesubject matter herein. The foregoing statements in the paragraph shallapply unless so stated in this description and/or except as will bereadily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,”“including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, areintended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process,method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is notnecessarily limited to only those elements but may include otherelements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,article, or apparatus.

Although the invention has been described with reference to theembodiments illustrated in the attached drawing figures, it is notedthat equivalents may be employed and substitutions made herein withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention.

1. A golf training aid configured to stabilize a wrist and an elbow of agolfer, comprising: a flexible sleeve configured to receive the wristand the elbow of the golfer; and an elongated rigid insert secured tothe flexible sleeve, wherein the flexible sleeve keeps the rigid insertproximate with the wrist and the elbow of the golfer so as to preventpivoting of the wrist and pivoting of the elbow.
 2. The golf trainingaid of claim 1, wherein the flexible sleeve presents a generallyopen-ended cylinder shape.
 3. The golf training aid of claim 1, whereinthe flexible sleeve includes an insert pocket, wherein the elongatedrigid insert is disposed within the insert pocket of the flexiblesleeve.
 4. The golf training aid of claim 3, wherein the insert pocketis sealed so as to permanently retain the elongated rigid inserttherein.
 5. The golf training aid of claim 4, wherein the insert pocketis sealed via sewing.
 5. The golf training aid of claim 1, furthercomprising: a fastening strap configured to secure the flexible sleevein place.
 6. The golf training aid of claim 5, wherein said fasteningstrap is an elbow fastening strap disposed proximate to said elbow ofsaid golfer, further comprising: a wrist fastening strap disposedproximate to said wrist of said golfer.
 7. The golf training aid ofclaim 1, wherein the rigid insert is elongated along an first axis,wherein the first axis aligns with a forearm of the golfer.
 8. The golftraining aid of claim 7, wherein the rigid insert includes— an arcuatewall that is generally complementary to the forearm of the golfer,wherein the arcuate wall is arcuate about a second axis perpendicular tothe first axis.
 9. The golf training aid of claim 8, wherein the rigidinsert further includes— an alignment segment configured to keep thearcuate wall aligned with the forearm of the golfer.
 10. The golftraining aid of claim 8, wherein the flexible sleeve includes a thumbopening configured to allow a thumb of the golfer to pass therethrough,wherein arcuate wall includes a recess configured to receive a thumb ofthe golfer therein, wherein the recess and the thumb opening areconfigured to allow the golfer to grip a golf club while the wrist isstabilized.
 11. The golf training aid of claim 10, wherein the recessdefines a palm segment configured to stabilize the palm of the golferwhile the golfer grips the golf club.
 12. A golf training aid configuredto stabilize a wrist and an elbow of a golfer, comprising: a flexiblesleeve configured to receive the wrist and the elbow of the golfer; andan elongated rigid insert secured to the flexible sleeve, wherein theflexible sleeve keeps the rigid insert proximate with the wrist and theelbow of the golfer so as to prevent pivoting of the wrist and pivotingof the elbow, wherein the flexible sleeve includes a sealed insertpocket, wherein the elongated rigid insert is disposed within the sealedinsert pocket of the flexible sleeve.
 13. The golf training aid of claim12, wherein the sealed insert pocket is sealed via sewing.
 14. The golftraining aid of claim 12, further comprising: an elbow fastening strapdisposed proximate to said elbow of said golfer; and a wrist fasteningstrap disposed proximate to said wrist of said golfer.
 15. The golftraining aid of claim 12, wherein the rigid insert includes— an arcuatewall that is generally complementary to the forearm of the golfer; analignment segment configured to keep the arcuate wall aligned with theforearm of the golfer; and
 16. The golf training aid of claim 15,wherein the flexible sleeve includes a thumb opening configured to allowa thumb of the golfer to pass therethrough, wherein arcuate wallincludes a recess configured to receive a thumb of the golfer therein,wherein the recess and the thumb opening are configured to allow thegolfer to grip a golf club while the wrist is stabilized.
 17. A methodof golf training comprising: acquiring a golf training aid including— aflexible sleeve configured to receive the wrist and the elbow of thegolfer, and an elongated rigid insert secured to the flexible sleeve;donning the golf training aid; grasping a golf club; and swinging thegolf club, wherein the flexible sleeve of the golf training aid keepsthe rigid insert proximate with the wrist and the elbow of the golfer soas to prevent pivoting of the wrist and pivoting of the elbow during theswing.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: removing theflexible sleeve from the wrist and elbow of the golfer; swinging thegolf club with the golf training aid removed while preventing thepivoting of the wrist and the pivoting of the elbow as when the golftraining aid was worn.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the step ofdonning the golf training aid is performed by: inserting a hand of thegolfer into a proximal end of the flexible sleeve; and extending thehand of the golfer out of a distal end of the flexible sleeve such thatthe rigid insert is aligned with a forearm of the golfer.
 20. The methodof claim 17, further comprising: securing the golf training aid to aforearm of the golfer by applying an elbow fastening strap and a wristfastening strap.